When Lisa Pizzuta and her family moved to Cranford New Jersey thirteen years ago, they knew the library was the place to go to get involved in the community. Her oldest daughter was young, and attending story time and other events helped them meet people and get involved.
Now that her family has grown, the Cranford Public Library is even more important to the Pizzutas. Her girls–Breona, 13; Adrianna, 11; and Julianna, 5–attend programs and special events at the Cranford Public Library every week. They are constants in the teen space and children’s room. Reading, crafting, volunteering, and being with their friends are some of their favorite activities to do at the library.
It’s not all about fun events, though. “The library has definitely kept them connected to books and reading, but it keeps them connected to their community as well,” says Lisa. Breona and Adrianna are active members of the Teen Advisory Group and volunteer with children’s programs. They use the library as a resource for completing school projects and pursuing knowledge about their interests. “They work hard in school, but they also work hard outside of school, and the library definitely helps with both.”
“Reading is a happy ritual in our house,” says Lisa. The teens remember seeing their parents read often and being read to every night before bed. They are voracious readers, and Julianna is following suit. Lisa, who is a teacher-coach in the Newark Public Schools Office of Language Arts Literacy, credits the Cranford Public Library with being able to pass on a love of reading to the girls. Lisa feels the library has made her children well-rounded and well-mannered. Despite their busy schedules, they make time to come to the library: “We always make sure that even if they have something go on, we prioritize the library. As a family, we see that as very important in their lives.”
Julianna summarizes it best when asked why her family supports the library: “because it has books and keeps you inspired!”
What do the Pizzutas wish other people knew about their library? “The community needs to make sure they’re attending these events. We don’t want these events to get taken away.” Breona and Adrianna are clear about the message they want to get across: “Take advantage of the teen space! The library is the next big thing!”